Jesus Lover of My Soul” is a well-known hymn penned by Charles Wesley and based on the words of the psalmist recorded on Psalm 142. King David of old, though a man after God’s own heart and a great king in Israel, had times he felt all alone. If he experienced it, then we shouldn’t be surprised when we hit such places in our life.
Jesus experienced it (Mark 14:50). The record of that dark betrayal night says, “And they all forsook Him and fled.” When the Lord needed support, even His disciples ran away. But Peter had proclaimed he wouldn’t do such a thing (Matt. 26:33-35), yes just as we do sometimes. In Mark’s record he records Peter as following “afar off” (Mark 14:54). This observation has both a physical and spiritual implication. His faith had been shaken to the core, he had never envisioned such happening to the Son of God. Jesus revealed to him and by inspiration to us this weakness. Before ascending back to the Father, He asked Peter three times “Do you love Me?” (John 21:15-17). Yes, Peter failed himself in a time of temptation, but where were the others? All failed the Lord Jesus in a time when His fleshly man needed them most.
Peter would experience it, too! (John 21:18). Jesus warned him of just such a day coming, when he [Peter] would face persecution all alone. Did Peter think he would escape it? Perhaps he thought “it won’t happen to me,” but it did.
The apostle Paul experienced it (II Tim. 4:16). One of the great heroes of faith, Paul had to stand the trial of mockery all alone. Even those like Demas, whom he had helped, were called away by the present world.
Christian leaders will experience it (Acts 20:36-38). Elders often feel very alone even in a crowd. They can feel very isolated in difficult times. Some would seem to want them to feel that way. Why? Because this is the age-old plan of the devil. Isolate and overtake is an old plan. No new tricks here, because it often works very effectively. Most godly gone before have experienced it. Preachers must learn to accept it, and most do. The ones who often pay the price are the preacher’s family. Wives and children don’t always understand it, and I’m afraid too often leave the Lord because of such hypocrisy seen in worldly members.
Christian, you will, too (II Tim. 3:12). Its a form of persecution. If you stand on the promises of God, then you’re going to be isolated at times by the world. Children may have to go home alone while the crowd around them participate in sinful activities. Young adults will be chided and left alone for not being willing to “party” being labeled “too straight.” This affects all ages. Older men/women can and will experience the same (I Pet. 4:4). Why? Because your faith is being tested (Heb. 4:15). It is free will at work, and God desires us to decide for ourselves just how much we’re going to love Him. His promises are proven (Matt. 28:20; Heb. 13:5). You can successfully navigate the treacherous times of loneliness by holding to His promises through Jesus Christ the Savior.
“Jesus lover of my soul, let me to Thy bosom fly, While the nearer waters roll, While the tempest still is high; Hide me O my Savior hide, till the storm of life is past; safe into the haven guide, O receive my soul at last.”
-David Hill, President of Tennessee Bible College